Quantum Computing for the Nuclear Industry

Advances in quantum computing are accelerating the timeline for new industry revelations for innovation. However, the industry must also weigh threats that come with quantum computing. “Q‑Day” pertains to the point at which quantum computers may be capable of breaking widely used cryptography. Although the timing of Q-Day remains uncertain, the nuclear industry must take action now to prevent operational and strategic peril. The nuclear industry has long asset lifecycles, highly regulated environments, and reliance on digital technology that may drive unique risk-based decisions that set them apart from other industries. This panel assembles experts from cybersecurity, nuclear operations, and quantum‑safe cryptography to discuss tactical and strategic risks that may impact nuclear facilities, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. Panelists will be called to consider immediate and long-term response actions for legacy systems, high-value data, and industrial control systems to prepare for the loss of encryption and secure operations. Panelists may also explain impacts of “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics used by threat-actors and the potential challenges of deploying post‑quantum cryptography in safety systems. The panel will be compelled to offer practical solutions that must be affordable as much as effective for the industry. Participants will be exposed to ideas like assembling cryptographic inventories, designing crypto‑agile strategies, coordinating with vendors and regulators, and aligning cybersecurity practice to address new quantum computing risks. Attendees will learn more about quantum computing from a cybersecurity perspective for the nuclear industry. More importantly, attendees will get a sense of urgency to take some immediate actions to gain resilience for a post‑quantum world.